Jon Algie 
The main road between Dunedin and Milton doesn’t make for the most interesting of journeys, but head towards the coast via gravel roads and you’ll see some rarely visited pieces of Otago coastline. While it’s more of a local experience than something I’d recommend to tourists there are some great views on offer at Bull … Read more
Kaka Point has long been a favourite with locals looking for an escape from city life in Dunedin. Sun, sand and a laidback atmosphere greet travellers to this tiny village with a view of Nugget Point, one of the South Island’s most revered coastal features. We’d passed through Kaka Point a few times but never … Read more
The main road between Blenheim and Picton is about as nondescript as roads in the South Island get — perfect if you’re in a hurry to catch a ferry! If you’ve got a little longer and would rather travel the scenic route the journey via Port Underwood is a great option. You’ll get to see … Read more
Hidden away by the side of the road and with no signs to pointing towards it, Depot Creek Falls is a more impressive waterfall than some of the more popular ones nearby. I’ll show you how to find this hidden spot as well as a few tips on what else to see along the Haast … Read more
The drive between Wānaka and the West Coast is one of the most spectacular in New Zealand. You’ll get great views by the side of the road, and there are also some walks if you’re keen to stretch your legs. The Haast Pass Lookout Track is short and steep and has awesome views of the … Read more
Waterfalls in New Zealand’s South Island often require a bit of walking to see, so it’s always nice when they put one right by the main road. Bonus points if it’s located a few minutes’ walk from your hotel! Avalanche Creek Falls is in Arthur’s Pass Village and is easy to miss thanks to the … Read more
The glaciers (Fox / Franz Josef) get most of the attention in Glacier Country, a small area of the West Coast famous for…glaciers. As you’d expect I guess! There are a couple of beach areas to explore though, with Ōkārito being the one with the most to do. You can walk around the tiny village, … Read more
Bluff, nestled right at the bottom of the South Island, sits at the end of State Highway 1 (the main road through New Zealand). It’s a tiny port town with the main draw being its proximity to Stewart Island. There are a few fun things to do in Bluff though, including awesome views from Bluff … Read more
You don’t need to climb to the tops of mountains to see amazing views in New Zealand — a hill will often do! Our top 12 hills in the South Island include big hills you can drive over, small ones with incredible views and one very special suburban hill in Dunedin. Also check out our … Read more
If you’re a fan of this blog you might have already seen our Top 12 Cities / Top 12 Towns in the South Island posts. Those contain towns and cities that have multiple places to eat, drink and sleep — places you’re likely to spend a night or two. This post is a little different. … Read more